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Cincinnati Reds: Joey Votto is Rightfully Cranky

By Blake Yagman

Apr 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) and center fielder Billy Hamilton (6) watch from the dugout during a game with the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park. The Reds won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) and center fielder Billy Hamilton (6) watch from the dugout during a game with the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park. The Reds won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cincinnati Reds’ paper airplane stompin’, fan accostin’, fightin’ words havin’ first baseman has simply had enough: in defense of Joey Votto.

Joey Votto is the most passionate Canadian man not named Justin Trudeau.

The Cincinnati Reds first baseman is sick and tired of being sick and tired. Votto, a former National League MVP and four-time All-Star, has played for the Reds since 2007; although he’s now garnering a reputation as being a hot-head, perhaps his sense of urgency is being misinterpreted.

In Joey Votto’s ten year career with the Reds they have only made the playoffs three times. To make matters worse, the Big Red Machine have finished dead last in the NL Central three times in that time span– and will likely finish this season in the cellar as well. Needless to say, much of Votto’s time with the Reds has been frustrating.

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Before the season began, the Reds traded one of their biggest assets, closer Aroldis Chapman, to the New York Yankees. At this years trade deadline, the Reds chose to partially-sell by trading outfielder Jay Bruce to the Mets; but is there a plan to rebuild the team? There are a few decent pieces in place– namely Votto, starting pitcher Homer Bailey, shortstop Zack Cozart and outfielder Billy Hamilton— which could serve as a foundation for an improved roster in 2017.

On a personal level, Joey Votto signed a 10 year, $225 million contract with the Reds in 2014; and, since that time, it feels as though they have failed to add more around their superstar slugger. Though Votto is gaining a reputation for lashing out, perhaps he’s confounded by the lack of support the Reds have given him.

While there is no excuse for putting your hands on a fan or for acting out of character, Votto’s frustration is understandable. Regardless, he has kept his productivity; over the course of his career with the Reds, Votto averaged 28 HR, 92 RBI and a .309/.424/.500 slash line. Essentially, Votto’s On-Base Percentage (.424) make him the ideal player for any team that owns a copy of Moneyball by Michael Lewis.

Next: Five managers on the hot seat

Votto might remain frustrated for quite some time; it doesn’t look like the Chicago Cubs or St. Louis Cardinals are going anywhere anytime soon.

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